The UK government has announced that online pornography depicting strangulation or suffocation, commonly known as ‘choking,’ will be criminalized as part of measures to combat violence against women and girls. This decision follows a review that found such content widespread on mainstream platforms and contributing to dangerous behaviors.
The government’s move, announced by Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, involves amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill currently progressing through Parliament. These changes will make both the possession and publication of pornography featuring choking a criminal offence, aligning it with other severe content under the Online Safety Act. Platforms will be required to proactively detect and remove such material, with enforcement actions including hefty fines for non-compliance.
This initiative stems from an independent review commissioned by the government and led by Conservative peer Baroness Gabby Bertin, published in February 2025. The review highlighted that depictions of choking in porn have become ‘rife’ and are normalizing the act, particularly among young people. It cited instances like a 14-year-old boy asking a teacher how to choke girls during sex, warning that imitation could have devastating consequences.
Under the new regulations, online platforms must take proactive steps to prevent UK users from accessing this material, such as using automated detection systems or stricter content policies. Those failing to comply face fines of up to £18 million from media regulator Ofcom, as the content is designated a ‘priority offence’ on par with child sexual abuse and terrorism material.
Health experts and advocacy groups have emphasized the serious risks associated with strangulation, noting it is never safe and can cause oxygen deprivation leading to brain damage, memory issues, and long-term cognitive impairments. Bernie Ryan, chief executive of the Institute for Addressing Strangulation, stated that choking is a serious form of violence often used in domestic abuse to control or terrify victims, and its portrayal in pornography sends harmful messages about normalcy in intimate relationships.
Organizations like the End Violence Against Women Coalition have welcomed the ban as a vital step toward reducing the normalization of violence. However, some campaigners, such as Fiona Mackenzie of We Can’t Consent To This, express skepticism about enforcement, pointing to existing laws like the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 that have not been effectively implemented against similar content in the past.
The government has stated that this amendment builds on previous legislation, including the Obscene Publications Act 1959, aiming to close gaps and ensure stronger action. It follows a 2020 government-commissioned review that linked pornography use to harmful sexual attitudes, with surveys showing many children encounter violent porn and may copy behaviors, underscoring the urgency of the changes.
Looking ahead, the government pledges to continue addressing violent pornography, with Baroness Bertin urging further action to balance online and offline legality. The amendments are expected to be implemented once the bill passes, marking a significant shift in UK online safety regulations and potentially influencing global standards for content moderation.